social security

Divisions have opened up among Labour Party leaders over whether to avoid opposing harsh social security cuts. Some regard this as a difference between the sensible and dogmatic. But perhaps this exposes past folly in supporting injustice and deceit.

The Summer Budget produced by the UK chancellor George Osborne will, predictably, continue to widen the gap between the rich and the rest of the population. It may also fulfil economists’ warnings of further economic damage.

When the ongoing process of cutting and restricting access to disability benefits began, we were told it was necessary because spending on them was out of control. A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows that, in fact, the exact opposite was the case.

Over the past five years, the UK’s ruling Coalition has brought in heavy cuts to social security and public services. If a Conservative-led alliance comes to power in the general election, this is likely to intensify.

Cuts in the UK have harmed many of the most disadvantaged, including people who are disabled or low-paid. If a Conservative-led government takes power, further reductions and privatisation are likely to have a harsh impact on middle-income households too.

The inheritance tax threshold will be raised if the Conservatives win the election, David Cameron, the UK Prime Minister pledged. This would benefit some home-owners in areas with high property prices. But, even for them, the deal is not as good as it might sound.

People unable to work because of obesity, drug or alcohol problems may have their social security payments cut if they do not undergo treatment, UK prime minister David Cameron has threatened. He has asked Professor Dame Carol Black, an adviser to the Department of Health, to carry out a review.